Waste Land - Dir. Lucy Walker

"99 is not 100"

I was utterly floored by Lucy Walker's documentary film Waste Land recently.

This amazing work was nominated for Best Documentary at the Oscars.  Criminally it didn't win, but it HAS picked up a string of well-deserved awards including at Sundance and the Amnesty International Human Rights Film award at the Berlin Film Festival.

I loved it. Can't stress it enough. My little heart ached, danced, giggled, raced and broke all in a few short hours.  Afterwards I was exhausted and wanted to sit quietly and gather my thoughts. I challenge you to feel nothing as your eye scans the man-made rubbish mountain; as a woman speaks of finding a dead baby amongst the trash and her own son dying aged three; as you're reminded of the resilience, strength, dignity and humour human beings are capable of even in the most devastating of circumstances.

The participatory nature of the art project (which the film documents) struck a chord.  It belongs to them all, from rubbish collector to world-famous artist.  Each is integral to its success.  Each one has hopes, dreams, fears and pride.

Do watch it if you can, please, and let me know your thoughts...